Batting

WILSON, NC – The Winston-Salem State Rams (4-5) could not get the late runs they needed with the team took a 10-5 loss to the Barton Bulldogs (6-8), Tuesday afternoon. After allowing an early lead to the Bulldogs, the Rams broke out in the fifth inning, but the team could not keep the Bulldogs at bay and allowed a late rally to take the loss.

As a team, the Rams had a solid offensive effort in the game, but the team could not keep up with the Bulldogs in the tough loss. The Rams held the hitting edge in the game with nine hits, compared to the Bulldogs' eight. However, the Rams could not turn their hits into enough runs in the tough loss. WSSU junior center fielder Randy Norris led the way for the Rams with a two-for-four batting effort with a run scored in the game. Junior catcher Michael Murphy added a two-for-four effort with a double and a run scored as well. Junior second base Nick Williams and junior designated hitter Rashad Stewart each recorded an RBI in the game.

The Rams found themselves in an early struggle, but the team showed a lot of heart. However, the Rams could not quite keep it going in the loss. Things got off to a slow start for the Rams as the team allowed three second inning runs to the Bulldogs. The Rams answered in the fourth inning when Stewart hit an RBI single that scored Murphy. The Rams allowed four more fourth inning runs to the Bulldogs to fall behind, 7-1 heading into the fifth inning. Once down, the Rams responded in a big way with four fifth inning runs of their own. Williams got things started with an RBI single to score senior outfielder Matthew Mauldin. Murphy also hit into a fielder's choice to score senior outfielder Brandon Ford. Senior third base Emilio Abreu would follow the effort with another fielder's choice that scored both Williams and Norris. The effort cut the Rams' deficit down to two runs, 7-5. Unfortunately, the Rams were not able get any more runs across the plate while allowing three eighth inning runs to take the 10-5 loss.

Senior pitcher Landon Biggs (0-1) took the pitching loss for the Rams. He started the game and went 3.1 innings for the Rams. He allowed four runs (three earned) in the game on three hits. He finished with seven strikeouts. The Rams also saw pitching time from junior Josh Larson, junior Kyle Taylor, freshman Peyton Bennett, junior Marcus McKoy, and freshman Tyrese Hearst. Taylor went 2.2 innings and recorded five strikeouts.

With the loss, the Rams fall to 4-5 on the season. The Rams will return to action, Saturday when the team hosts the Glenville State Pioneers in a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader at BB&T Ballpark. The team will also play the Pioneers in a 1:00 p.m. single game, Sunday. Tickets are $5.00 and they are available at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

For more information on Rams baseball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.